Dr. Richard Thomas, M.D.
Contact & Location
478-745-4206
Macon, GA 31210
Dr. Thomas performs more knee replacement procedures than 66% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #69 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Thomas
Practice. Dr. Richard Thomas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in MacOn, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 39 knee replacements and 24 shoulder replacements, 63 procedures in all. That is #69 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 22 procedures a year to 63, up 186%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 39 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. MacOn has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | 0 |
| 2014 | 28 | 0 |
| 2015 | 36 | 0 |
| 2016 | 39 | 0 |
| 2017 | 43 | 0 |
| 2018 | 44 | 0 |
| 2019 | 41 | 12 |
| 2020 | 33 | 15 |
| 2021 | 40 | 13 |
| 2022 | 37 | 24 |
| 2023 | 42 | 31 |
| 2024 | 39 | 24 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Thomas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 186% from 22 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Thomas
How does Dr. Thomas's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Thomas has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thomas ranks #72 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thomas perform?
Dr. Thomas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and shoulder replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thomas in MacOn?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in MacOn in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Thomas represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Thomas's total volume across all insurers at roughly 200 to 250 procedures against the 63 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Thomas's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Thomas's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 22 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data, a 186% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 73 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Thomas perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Thomas's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), shoulder replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thomas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thomas is affiliated with Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, Navicent Health Baldwin, Piedmont Macon North Hospital, Monroe County Hospital.
How does Dr. Thomas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in MacOn?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in MacOn, Dr. Thomas ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in MacOn has 102 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thomas practices?
Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Navicent Health Baldwin (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Piedmont Macon North Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in MacOn, Georgia
Dr. Thomas's 63 Medicare procedures are above the MacOn average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in MacOn.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Thornsberry | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wood Pope | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Stapleton | 68 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Dennis Jorgensen | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Slappey | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. William Barnes | 12 | Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.